fervent

adjective

fer·​vent ˈfər-vənt 

1

: exhibiting or marked by great intensity of feeling : zealous

fervent prayers

a fervent admirer/supporter/proponent

… they've built one of the most fervent fan bases in electronic music …

—Niyaz Pirani

2

: very hot : glowing

the fervent sun

fervently adverb

Synonyms of fervent

• passionate
• warm
• passional
• ardent
• intense
• emotional

Choose the Right Synonym for fervent

impassioned, passionate, ardent, fervent, fervid, perfervid mean showing intense feeling.

impassioned implies warmth and intensity without violence and suggests fluent verbal expression.

an impassioned plea for justice

passionate implies great vehemence and often violence and wasteful diffusion of emotion.

a passionate denunciation

ardent implies an intense degree of zeal, devotion, or enthusiasm.

an ardent supporter of human rights

fervent stresses sincerity and steadiness of emotional warmth or zeal.

fervent good wishes

fervid suggests warmly and spontaneously and often feverishly expressed emotion.

fervid love letters

perfervid implies the expression of exaggerated or overwrought feelings.

perfervid expressions of patriotism

Examples of fervent in a Sentence

a fervent speech that called for tolerance and compassion for those who are different

in the thick, fervent air of a tropical afternoon, a languor set in

Recent Examples on the Web

The choice of Eleventh Dream Day and Naked Raygun for the first two albums reflects Jacobs’ near-lifetime association with the bands and his fervent enthusiasm for their music. — Kevin McKeough, Chicago Tribune, 14 Oct. 2026

In keeping with the film‘s maximalist vibe, the noise around it keeps whipsawing in different directions, with defenders calling it a misunderstood masterpiece and detractors equally fervent in calling it a complete artistic disaster. — Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 12 Oct. 2026

In almost every neighborhood of the city, you’re bound to bump into vendors who have set up shop near parks, subway stations, and bars looking to meet the fervent demand for soccer kits, Styles swag and Knicks gear. — Matt Martell, Vogue, 6 Oct. 2026

Neighboring Iran and Pakistan are forcibly returning Afghans, and further afield in Europe, fervent anti-immigration rhetoric makes the situation very challenging. — Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 6 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French, from Latin fervent-, fervens, present participle of fervēre to boil, froth — more at barm

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for fervent

• servant
• maidservant
• manservant
• observant

Kids Definition

fervent

adjective

fer·​vent ˈfər-vənt 

: having or expressing great warmth or depth of feeling

a fervent hope

fervency

-vən-sē

noun

fervently adverb